THE state of the public toilets at Poppit Sands is continuing to cause concerns to St Dogmaels Community Council.

Councillors are keen for the current, dated facilities to be updated or fear it could result in the loss of the beach’s prized Blue Flag status.

Cllr Gill Wislocka said: “When you think of the number of people visiting Poppit, we need those facilities improving. Toilets are so fundamental to people’s wellbeing.”

Cllr Phil Hutchings added: “Those facilities are just desperate but tourism in the area is increasing year on year and something needs to be done.”

But cost is an issue – councillors heard schemes had been carried out in Tenby, Fishguard and Haverfordwest – and any upgrade would need to involve both Pembrokeshire County Council and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

Councillors also discussed possible improvements to signage in the area, though again this is proving difficult as Poppit Sands is classed as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and governed by strict National Park planning rules.

It was suggested colour-coded signs could be more informative to both visitors and locals. Small signs designating the area as an adder habitat were erected last year.

“I suspect we will have a battle with them (planning authority) but at least we are trying to come up with something to help improve the area,” said Cllr Jonathan Martin.